Tuition, Fees, and Compensation

April 2, 2020 @ 1:35 p.m.

Dear CU Denver Community,

First, thank you for your commitment, patience, and hard work during this unprecedented and challenging time. We appreciate all you are doing to help the university continue to fulfill its mission of education, research, and service in spite of considerable odds.

At the CU Board of Regents meeting today, university leadership recommended that the board postpone its scheduled vote on CU’s 2020-21 budget and its primary components–tuition, fees, and compensation. Delaying the vote until one of the next scheduled meetings (May and June) will provide us with a clearer picture of state revenue, federal stimulus/relief funds, and enrollment. There had previously been a proposed compensation and merit increase pool for CU Denver, but circumstances have changed and earlier proposals are no longer feasible.

We recognize that the delay on tuition, fees, and compensation decisions will lead to some challenges, but it is prudent for us to have as complete an understanding of our revenue picture as possible to inform the budget decisions. Several other Colorado higher education institutions are taking the same approach.

Additionally, we shared with the regents that existing pass/fail policies have been adjusted to provide students and faculty maximum flexibility, given the sudden shift to remote teaching and learning, as well as to meet the requirements of the Colorado Department of Higher Education. You will receive additional details about CU Denver’s modified grading policy in a communication from Provost Nairn in the very near future.

We appreciate the leadership and support of the Board of Regents during these uncertain times. And we are truly grateful for our students, faculty, and staff. Thank for exemplifying the spirit and values that make CU Denver such an extraordinary asset in our community and beyond.